“I love gifts that can be useful—something that would help me in my job or my daily functions,” says Martha Horta-Granados, who teaches kids aged 6 to 12 years about socio-emotional education and human rights in a community center. She’s one of several teachers Verywell Family spoke to in order to help us determine the best gifts to buy our own children’s educators. While New York-based ESL teacher and tutor Vanessa Gordon emphasizes that practical gifts are always appreciated, she also underscores that personal, homemade offerings go a long way to show teachers you really care. “Sentimental and handmade treasures are some of the many gifts I continue to cherish over the years,” she says. With those factors in mind, here are the best teacher gifts, according to real educators. We’ve chosen this flexible planner as our top overall pick because for any teacher, of any gender, and at any grade level, a planner makes an ideal gift that simultaneously feels both highly personal and practical. This is a tool they can use every single day. “As a teacher, it helps me stay so organized with short- and long-term projects,” says Elizabeth Fraley, CEO of the kindergarten readiness program Kinder Ready, Inc. “Writing down all my tasks helps me improve my productivity, and with a beautiful agenda, I feel like I can have a lot more motivation to fulfill my daily goals,” Horta-Granados adds. This top-selling planner comes in 23 color choices in gift box packaging at an accessible price point. It also includes 150 colorful planner stickers. Since it’s undated, the teacher can start using it at any time of the year without wasting a page. Price at time of publication: $25 Elizabeth Manly, a teacher who has taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade and runs the blog Discovery Play With Littles, agrees. “I’ve received all kinds of gifts throughout the years, but my favorite were gift cards,” she says, recalling one year when she received an expensive bracelet but really needed a winter coat. “I received chocolate when I was trying to stay away from sweets, home decor that didn’t match my style, or even jewelry when I don’t wear much. I always appreciated the thoughtfulness and generosity behind the gifts, [though] no gift was ever expected. Gift cards were a way for me to spoil myself when I really wasn’t able to do that on a tight budget.” Price at time of publication: $50 This set starts at a seriously affordable price, and you can buy a higher quantity of notes at incrementally lower prices per piece as your budget permits. Price at time of publication: $8 All they have to do is take any printed image or die-cut paper, run it through the machine, and create custom stickers for schoolwork, craft projects, gifts, cards, planners, and more. Price at time of publication: $43 Price at time of publication: $127 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $25
Price at time of publication: $15 This bag can be customized with your teacher’s name for a gift that’s as personal as it is practical. This Black-owned Etsy shop produces handmade versions using only pure uncut fragrance oils. And what teacher wouldn’t appreciate an aroma meant to attract positive energy? Price at time of publication: $8 for 2 oz If your teacher is known for a sense of humor, this mug with a funny message will surely make them laugh. Price at time of publication: $12 for 11 oz “One parent came into my class at the end of the last day of term with a huge McDonald’s takeout feast for myself and my teaching assistants, and we still talk about it 10 years later!” Hurst says. “Best gift ever.” Combine both the practicality of a gift card and the surprise of a food gift by giving a Darden gift card. Teachers can redeem it at 1,800 restaurant locations, including Olive Garden, Seasons 52, Yard House, and the Capital Grille. Price at time of publication: $25

What to Look for in a Teacher Gift

Practicality

Teachers overwhelmingly agree that practical gifts are most appreciated. That means you should look for versatile items that they’ll use every day, such as reusable water bottles or tote bags.

Personalized

As much as teachers like practicality, they also love to know that students and families care about them as individuals and put thought and effort into making them feel appreciated. To that end, customize your gift with a name or other details if possible. And be sure to include a handwritten card from the student along with any other hand-made touches.

Versatile

Don’t forget that teachers span a range of ages, genders, and personality types, so if you don’t know your recipient’s particular taste, choose gifts that have universal applications.

Price Range

The amount people spend on their teacher gifts will vary greatly, and since no gift is required, you can choose something that best fits your budget.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Alesandra Dubin is a mom to elementary school-aged twins and has researched teacher gifts extensively for personal use as well as in her professional role as a lifestyle writer and product reviewer.

More Gifts for Parents and Caregivers

When it comes to gifts for parents and caregivers, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (many of whom are parents themselves) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift ideas for every caregiver (or caregiver-to-be!) in your life:

The Best Gifts to Buy Expecting Moms The Best Gifts for New Moms The Best Gifts for Mom The Best Christmas Gifts for Mom The Best Self-Care Gifts for Moms The Best Gifts for New Parents The Best Gifts for Dads The Best Gifts for Grandparents The Black-Owned Gift Guide